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Runners finish strong, three headed to state

By:

Mollie Graham

Sommer Carlson, Andrew Schonnesen and Halle Geyen will be competing at the State Cross Country Meet on Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

“Maple Lake has never had a better day as a cross country program as the Section 5A meet this year,” coach Ben Youngs said. Racing in Milaca on Thursday, Oct. 24, the Irish cross country team competed for their chances to attend state and three runners attained that goal.

Standing with anxious nerves on the line, the Maple Lake Irish girls awaited the gun to start their important section meet. As the pack went out, Maple Lake stuck within and made their moves.

Racing through a winding course, each teammate ran their hardest knowing what was on the line.

Out front for the Irish was Sommer Carlson, staying calm but in the race. Approaching the finish, Carlson came in very strong, even with a grin, while crossing the finish line. Carlson placed seventh, securing a spot to state and setting an all-time school record with a time of 15:12.

“I was super excited crossing the finish line because my goal this year was to make it to state, and to break the school record at the same time was beyond anything I hoped for,” Carlson said.

Just behind Carlson was Halle Geyen in 10th place with a time of 15:22 also making it to state.

“I was relieved to know that what I have been training for all year has finally paid off. I was so excited and I am looking forward to the state meet,” Geyen said.

Third for Maple Lake was Blair Stewig, placing 26th, setting a personal record for herself with a time of 16:25. In 45th was Kaitlynn Kramer, finishing with a time of 17:05. Jessie Wohlrabe set a new record for herself also finishing in 17:17, placing 52nd. Following Wohlrabe was Kayla Hoistad, placing 56th with a time of 17:23 and in 59th was Skyler Manka, finishing in 17:28. Overall the girls placed fourth with a team score of 138.